Tha Carter III

In an industry that becomes more inhibited and conservative with each passing year, Wayne is one of the few million-dollar pop stars who refuses to color inside the lines. This album’s jarring collection of styles is what makes it exciting, and what makes it so definitively Wayne. No one could make Weezy choose between the Jamaican infusions of “Mrs. Officer” and “A Milli,” the vintage soul of “Mr. Carter” and “Dr. Carter” and “Let the Beat Build,” and the pop subversions of “La La” and “Lollipop.” They are all equal parts of Wayne’s personality, and Tha Carter III accords them all equal space. Wayne is the most quotable man in music, and he uses his voices in ways that makes other rappers appear timid and banal.